Water quality challenges in the Elk Valley are connected to the long history of mining in the region. The mining process generates large quantities of leftover rock that contains naturally-occurring substances such as selenium, an element that is essential for human and animal health in small amounts. Water from both precipitation and runoff flows through these rock piles and carries selenium and other substances, such as nitrate, into the local watershed. If present in high enough concentrations in the watershed, these substances can adversely affect aquatic health.

We are conducting extensive studies and monitoring of water quality and aquatic health which includes regular water quality sampling at approximately 100 stations in the Elk Valley. To date, regional monitoring indicates that current levels of selenium and other substances are not impacting populations of fish or birds. Monitoring shows that selenium concentrations have been reduced downstream of our operational water treatment facility at Line Creek as a result of water treatment and we expect further significant reductions as the Fording and Elkview facilities come on line.

Sharing Monitoring Results

Teck is committed to being transparent with stakeholders as we implement the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan. We make data and results from ongoing water quality, aquatic and animal health research and monitoring undertaken as part of the Plan available, and we will continue to share those results going forward. This includes Annual Reports completed by an Environmental Monitoring Committee comprised of an independent scientist and representatives from the B.C. Government, Ktunaxa Nation Council, Interior Health Authority, and Teck. Monitoring reports related to the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan can be found here. 

Teck is investing $30 million this year in over 20 research and development projects. These include projects to continue to improve our understanding of water quality, source control and treatment options. Three examples of this work are:

• Alternative treatment technologies We are exploring the use of smaller water treatment facilities that can be built much closer to where the treatment is needed.

• Nitrate prevention This includes using liners that prevent explosives that contain nitrate – used in the mining process – from coming in contact with water.

• Waste Covers We are continuing to evaluate different forms of physical covers for waste rock piles ranging from vegetative to geosynthetic covers to see if feasible and effective options can be identified.

Throughout 2019, we’ll be providing opportunities for you to learn more about the Elk Valley Water Quality Plan, our progress and our challenges, and to provide input into the ongoing implementation of the plan. The Elk Valley Water Quality Plan is an adaptive plan that will continue to be updated based on new technology and learnings as well as feedback we receive along the way. We will be holding public information sessions in the region in Fall 2019. More details will be provided.

This biological treatment process removes nitrate and transforms selenium into a solid form through a process that includes the following steps:

• Biological treatment to convert dissolved forms of selenium to solid form

• Nitrate is converted into inert nitrogen gas and safely released

• Solid selenium is extracted and safely disposed of in a secure onsite waste facility

• Treated water is discharged

Clean water diversions involve the construction of earthen dikes or other physical barriers and/or pipes to direct clean water around mining activities.